Flushable Hygienic Wipe System

ABSTRACT

A flushable hygienic wipe system is used to provide users with an indirect means to hold soft flushable wipes that improve the personal hygiene of a user&#39;s rectal and genital areas after using the bathroom. The system additionally provides users with a convenient disposal method by allowing users to safely discard the apparatus into a toilet bowl after use. The present invention comprises a most cleansing pad, a flushable applicator, and a dry cleansing pad. The flushable applicator additionally comprises a handle, a moist cleansing pad mount, and a dry cleansing pad mount. The handle additionally comprises a first section and a second section. The flushable applicator and the moist cleansing pad mount are able to retain their shape while the moist cleansing pad is attached through the use of a water insoluble polymer coating that inhibit moisture from degrading the hydro soluble cellulose mixture of the components.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/655947 filed on Jun. 05, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hygienic wipe. More particularly to a hygienic wipe system that provides the user with improved cleanliness of their rectal and genital areas after using the bathroom. Additionally the apparatus incorporates hydro soluble and flushable components that enable the user to conveniently dispose of the apparatus in a toilet bowl after use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many western countries toilet tissue is used as the preferred means to maintain a user's personal hygiene after going to the bathroom. Toilet tissue is a paper material that can be folded or wadded up by a user to provide an absorbent porous surface that removes excrement from a user's genital and rectal areas. Toilet tissue is produced in plurality of grades that are distinguished by the size, weight, coarseness, water absorption, quality (plies), and durability of the paper. These grades allow users to choose a preferred toilet tissue for maintaining their personal hygiene. Additionally, conventional toilet tissue is constructed using short fiber wet laid paper. Short fiber wet laid paper used in toilet tissues allows it to be decomposable in existing wastewater conveyance, treatment, reuse, and disposal systems. While conventional toilet paper offers various conveniences there are several disadvantages which make toilet tissue an unsuitable choice for certain users.

One of the disadvantages associated with conventional toilet tissue is related to its coarseness. While toilet tissues come in various grades, some users still find the tissue to be too coarse. Users with certain medical conditions are unable to use toilet tissues since even the softest grades cause irritation and inflammation. Another disadvantage associated with toilet tissues is the fact that some users do not feel totally clean after using it. Many users who are left feeling unclean after using toilet tissue attribute the sensation to the dryness of the tissue. Yet another disadvantage of using toilet tissue relates to how it is manipulated by a user. Some users with limited mobility or other medical conditions are unable to use toilet tissue effectively. While the disadvantages associated with toilet tissues are unavoidable with currently available toilet tissues, some of the disadvantages have been address by wet wipes.

Wet wipe are provide users with a fabric like paper material that are moist and absorbent. Wet wipes address the issues of coarseness by being moist allowing them to glide over user's rectal and genital areas with minimal irritation. Additionally the solution utilized can additionally be infused with medication that reduces irritation and inflammation, serving as a highly functional option for users suffering from certain medical conditions. Furthermore, some users find that the moistness associated with the wet wipes offers them a better sensation of cleanliness. While wet wipes are an improvement over conventional toilet tissues, there are several disadvantages associated with their use.

One of the disadvantages associated with the use of wet wipes relates to their construction. Some wet wipes are created using long fiber air laid paper which provides the material with improved absorption and a more fabric like feel. While this advantageous for users who believe traditional toilet tissues are too coarse, the fabric like texture makes wet wipe less likely to de decomposable in existing wastewater conveyance, treatment, reuse, and disposal systems. While this disadvantage is over come by using short fiber air laid paper, this solution creates another disadvantage. Conventionally, wet wipes are dispensed in single sheets. While this by itself is not a disadvantage, the single sheet dispensing results in users being unable to adjust the thickness of the wipe in the same manner as conventional toilet tissue. The combination of the dispensing mechanism and the utilization of a more decomposable material, results in a wet wipe that is more likely to tear during use potentially resulting in the users getting excrement on their hands.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a hygienic wipe system that provides users with an indirect means to hold soft flushable wipes that improve the cleanliness of a user's rectal and genital area after using the bathroom. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of a hydro soluble applicator that includes both dry and moistened cleansing pads which are guided over a user's rectal and genital areas. The dry and moistened cleansing pads wipes the rectal and genital areas clean and can then be safely disposed of a toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an expanded front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an expanded frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the flushable applicator as per the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left perspective view of the flushable applicator as per the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the flushable applicator as per the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referencing FIG. 1, the present invention is a flushable hygienic wipe system that provides users with an indirect means to cleanse their rectal and genital regions after using the bathroom with a combination of wet and dry cleansing pads. The apparatus accomplishes this through the utilization of hydro soluble and flushable materials that maintain their rigidity during use, but can be safely disposed of in a toilet bowl after use. The present invention comprises a flushable applicator 5, a moist cleansing pad 1, and a dry cleansing pad 3. The moist cleansing pad 1, the flushable applicator 5 and the dry cleansing pad 3 are positioned collinear to each other. The flushable applicator 5 is positioned between the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3. The moist cleansing pad 1 is engaged adjacent to the flushable applicator 5 opposite to the dry cleansing pad 3. The dry cleansing pad 3 is engaged to the flushable applicator 5 opposite to the moist cleansing pad 1. The flushable applicator 5 is the component that allows a user to indirectly orient the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 to cleanse a user's rectal and genital areas. The flushable applicator 5 is made from a cellulose mixture and is partially coated with a thin polymer film that allows the flushable applicator 5 to retain its shape and rigidity during use, but enables it to fully dissolve when immersed in water. The moist cleansing pad 1 provides a user with the means to cleanse their private areas after using the bathroom. The dry cleansing pad provides a user with the means to wipe or dry their private areas after using the bathroom. The dry cleansing pad 3 and the moist cleansing pad 1 are made of a short fiber air laid paper which provides them with a strong and absorbent construction necessary during use, but allows both the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 to be safely discarded and flushed in conventional toilets after use.

Referencing FIG. 2, the moist cleansing pad 1 in the present invention is a moistened flushable wipe that allows a user to cleanse and wipe their rectal and genital areas after using the bathroom. The moist cleansing pad 1 can be used in the absence of or in conjunction with the dry cleansing pad 3. The moist cleansing pad 1 comprises a first moist coupler 2. The first moist coupler 2 is positioned concentrically on the moist cleansing pad 1. The first moist coupler 2 provides the moist cleansing pad 1 with an attachment method for connecting to the flushable applicator 5. The dry cleansing pad 3 in the present invention is a soft absorbent flushable wipe that allows a user to wipe and dry their rectal and genital areas after using the bathroom. The dry cleansing pad 3 can be used in the absence of or in conjunction with the moist cleansing pad 1. The dry cleansing pad 3 comprises a first dry coupler 4. The first dry coupler 4 is positioned concentrically on the dry cleansing pad 3. The first dry coupler 4 provides the dry cleansing pad 3 with an attachment method for connecting to the flushable applicator 5.

Referencing FIG. 3, the flushable applicator 5 in the present invention is the portion of the apparatus which a user manipulates to guide the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 over their rectal and genital areas after using the bathroom. The flushable applicator 5 comprises a handle 6, a moist cleansing pad mount 9, and dry cleansing pad mount 11. The moist cleansing pad mount 9, the handle 6, and the dry cleansing pad mount 11 are positioned collinear to each other. The handle 6 is positioned between the moist cleansing pad mount 9 and the dry cleansing pad mount 11. The moist cleansing pad mount 9 is integrated into the handle 6 opposite the dry cleansing pad mount 11. The dry cleansing pad mount 11 is integrated into the handle 6 opposite the moist cleansing pad mount 9. The handle 6 is the point of contact between the user's hands and the apparatus. The handle 6 serves as the rigid body that allows for the proper orientation of the dry cleansing pad mount 11 and the moist cleansing pad mount 9 during use. The moist cleansing pad mount 9 provides the apparatus with a particular emplacement for the moist cleansing pad 1 that prevents moisture from the moist cleansing pad 1 causing premature degradation to the flushable applicator 5 during use. The dry cleansing pad mount 11 provides the apparatus with a particular emplacement for the dry cleansing pad 3 which additionally serve as an exposed surface that allows for the dissolution of the flushable applicator 5 when immersed in water.

Referencing FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the handle 6 in the present invention comprises a first section 7 and a second section 8. The first section 7 and the second section 8 are positioned in tandem to each other along the flushable applicator 5. The first section 7 is positioned adjacent to the moist cleansing pad mount 9, while the second section 8 is positioned adjacent to the dry cleansing pad mount 11. The moist cleansing pad mount 9 in the present invention comprises a second moist coupler 10. The second moist coupler 10 is positioned concentrically to the cleansing pad mount opposite to the first section 7. The dry cleansing pad mount 11 in the present invention comprise a second dry coupler 12. The second dry coupler 12 is positioned concentrically on the dry cleansing pad mount 11 opposite the second section 8. The moist cleansing pad 1 attaches itself to the moist cleansing pad mount 9 through the engagement of the first moist coupler 2 with the second moist coupler 10. The dry cleansing pad 3 attaches itself to the dry cleansing pad mount 11 through the engagement of the first dry coupler 4 with the second dry coupler 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the flushable applicator 5 is made of a cellulose mixture comprised of sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) and wood pulp. The cellulose mixture provides the flushable applicator 5 with a rigid construction during use but allows the flushable applicator 5 to dissolve when immersed in water. Conventional paper products are typically made using a long fiber wood pulp mixture comprised mostly of cellulose. Cellulose consists of long chains of _(D)-glucose units connected together through glycosidic bonds. Each _(D)-glucose unit contains three hydroxyl groups, each of which are capable of hydrogen bonding with the hydroxyl groups of adjacent molecules. Due to the ability for each _(D)-glucose subunit within a cellulose chain to form hydrogen bonds with an adjacent molecule on another chain, cellulose chains become tightly bound preventing their dissolution by water. Due to the insoluble nature of cellulose based paper products, a flushable applicator 5 constructed from traditional paper materials would carry the risk of damaging plumbing fixtures if discarded in a toilet. Unlike traditional paper products, paper products made from a cellulose mixture containing SCMC and wood pulp would be soluble in water. Cellulose mixture containing SCMC are able to exhibit this property through the chemical properties of SCMC. SCMC differs from cellulose in that a hydroxyl group on the _(D)-glucose unit is substituted with a sodium Carboxymethyl group resulting in reduced hydrogen bonding between adjacent cellulose chains. The substitution provides enough separation between adjacent cellulose chains to allow the passage of water molecules resulting in the dissolution of a component formed from the cellulose mixture. The cellulose mixture can vary the ratio of SCMC and wood pulp to produce varied rates of dissolution. The rate of dissolution intended for the flushable applicator 5 is between 5-20 seconds when fully immersed in water. The material composition with the intended rate of dissolution is available by Aquasol Corporation in the form of their Aquasol water soluble paper.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the moist cleansing pad mount 9, the second moist coupler 10, and the first section 7 are exposed directly and indirectly to moisture from the moist cleansing pad 1. To prevent the premature degradation of the flushable applicator 5 during use, a coating of Ethylcellulose polymer is provided to prevent moisture from the moist cleansing pad 1 reacting with the cellulose mixture of the moist cleansing pad mount 9, the second moist coupler 10, and the first section 7. Ethylcellulose is a chemically stable polymer that is insoluble in water. The polymer is manufactured in varying degrees of viscosities. An ethylcellulose compound with a viscosity range between 3-5.5 mPa·s and applied to the moist cleansing pad mount 9, the second moist coupler 10, and the first section 7 in a thin layer of 0.005-0.015 mm in thickness would provide an adequate temporary moisture barrier for the moist cleansing pad mount 9, the second moist coupler 10, and the first section 7 while the moist cleansing pad 1 is connected. When the flushable applicator 5 is discarded into a toilet bowl the aforementioned chemical and physical properties of the ethylcellulose polymer would pose a low risk of damaging plumbing fixtures. When the flushable applicator 5 is discarded into the toilet bowl the dry cleansing pad mount 11, the second dry coupler 12, and the second section 8 provide the surfaces that allows water molecules to react with the SCMC of the cellulose mixture fond in the flushable applicator 5. When exposed to water the ethylcellulose mixture is dissolves allowing the thin layer of ethylcellulose polymer to separate.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 are made of a short fiber air laid paper. The use of short fiber air laid paper provides the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 with a soft nonwoven fabric-like paper construction that when flushed in a toilet clears the toilet and a properly maintained drainage and piping system under normal usage conditions. Furthermore, the short fiber air laid paper is compatible with existing wastewater conveyance, treatment, reuse, and disposal systems. Moreover, the short fiber air laid paper becomes unrecognizable in a reasonable period of time and is safe in the natural receiving environment.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the moist cleansing pad 1 contains a solution which comprises of a mild skin cleanser and emollients. The solution contains no alcohol, oils, or soaps. Additionally, the moist cleansing pad 1 would contain ingredients that would maintain the safety and stability of the cleansing pad during storage by inhibiting microbial growth. While this is the preferred embodiment for the moist cleansing pad 1, additional embodiments could include variations to the solution which provide the invention additional functionality. In an additional embodiment of the present invention the solution used for the moist cleansing pad 1 can include alcohol and benzocaine which allows the invention to function as a moist pain relief pad that would be well suited for use with individuals suffering from certain medical conditions which can include, but are not limited to hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. In another additional embodiment of the present invention the moist cleansing pad 1 can include a scented solution that would not only cleanse a user's rectal and genital areas, but also provide a refreshing fragrance that would help combat undesired odors.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 are attached to the moist cleansing pad mount 9 and the dry cleansing pad mount 11, respectively, through the use of a set of couplers. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the first moist coupler 2 and the first dry coupler 4 are both made from short fiber air laid paper, while the second moist coupler 10 and the second dry coupler 12 are made from a cellulose mixture. The second moist coupler 10 and the second dry coupler 12 slide into an opening provided by the first moist coupler 2 and the first dry coupler 4, respectively. The first moist coupler 2 and the first dry coupler 4 exert a tensile force on the second moist coupler 10 and the second dry coupler 12 to securely hold it against the adjacent surfaces of the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3, respectively. It should be noted that the attachment method used by the present invention can be fulfilled by various means. In an additional embodiment of the present invention an adhesive can be used to attach the moist cleansing pad 1 and the dry cleansing pad 3 to the moist cleansing pad mount 9 and the dry cleansing pad mount 11, respectively.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is constructed to a size and shape that is optimally suited for cleaning a user's rectal and genital areas. It should be noted that the present invention can be constructed in any desired size, shape, or color that coincides with the intended use of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. While the flushable applicator 5 is depicted as a rod in FIG. 1-FIG. 5, it should be understood that the flushable applicator 5 can be constructed in any desired shape that would best allow a user to manipulate, maneuver, and control the cleaning of their rectal and genital areas.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is constructed for use as a makeup removal device. Configured as makeup removal device the cleansing pad used by the present invention would comprise a more fibrous and sponge-like texture. Additionally, the solution utilized by the moist cleansing pad 1 would contain various compounds such as water, alcohol, and other active ingredients that include but are not limited to, salicylic acid, vitamins, or menthol.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flushable hygienic wipe system comprises, a moist cleansing pad; a dry cleansing pad; a flushable applicator; the moist cleansing pad comprises a first moist coupler; the dry cleansing pad comprises a first dry coupler; the flushable applicator comprises a handle, a moist cleansing pad mount, and a dry cleansing pad mount; the handle comprises a first section and a second section; the moist cleansing pad mount comprises a second moist coupler; and the dry cleansing pad mount comprises a second dry coupler.
 2. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the flushable applicator being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad; the moist cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator; and the dry cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator opposite the moist cleansing pad.
 3. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the first moist coupler being concentrically connected on the moist cleansing pad; the first dry coupler being concentrically connected on the dry cleansing pad; the handle being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad mount and the dry cleansing pad mount; the dry cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle; and the moist cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle, opposite the dry cleansing pad mount.
 4. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the second moist coupler being concentrically connected to the moist cleansing pad mount; the second dry coupler being concentrically connected to the dry cleansing pad mount; the first section and the second section being positioned adjacent to each other along the handle; the first section being positioned adjacent to the moist cleansing pad mount; and the second section being positioned adjacent to the dry cleansing pad mount.
 5. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 2 comprises, the first moist coupler being engaged to the second moist coupler; and the first dry coupler being engaged to the second dry coupler.
 6. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the flushable applicator being made of a cellulose mixture comprising Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp, wherein the cellulose mixture of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp is a water soluble paper which is formed into the desired shapes for the handle, the moist cleansing pad mount, and dry cleansing pad mount providing the flushable applicator with rapid dissolution when immersed in water; both the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad being made of short fibered air laid paper, wherein the short fiber air laid paper provides the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad with a soft and porous paper material capable of being safely disposed of in a toilet after use; and both the first section and moist cleansing pad mount being coated in a ethylcellulose polymer, wherein the ethylcellulose polymer forms a thin layer providing the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount with a barrier preventing premature dissolution of the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount during use.
 7. A flushable hygienic wipe system comprises, a moist cleansing pad; a dry cleansing pad; a flushable applicator; the moist cleansing pad comprises a first moist coupler; the dry cleansing pad comprises a first dry coupler; the flushable applicator comprises a handle, a moist cleansing pad mount, and a dry cleansing pad mount; the handle comprises a first section and a second section; the moist cleansing pad mount comprises a second moist coupler; and the dry cleansing pad mount comprises a second dry coupler.
 8. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the flushable applicator being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad; the moist cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator the dry cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator opposite the moist cleansing pad; the first moist coupler being concentrically connected on the moist cleansing pad; the first dry coupler being concentrically connected on the dry cleansing pad; the handle being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad mount and the dry cleansing pad mount; the dry cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle; and the moist cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle, opposite the dry cleansing pad mount.
 9. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the second moist coupler being concentrically connected to the moist cleansing pad mount; the second dry coupler being concentrically connected to the dry cleansing pad mount; the first section and the second section being positioned adjacent to each other along the handle; the first section being positioned adjacent to the moist cleansing pad mount; the second section being positioned adjacent to the dry cleansing pad mount; the first moist coupler being engaged to the second moist coupler; and the first dry coupler being engaged to the second dry coupler.
 10. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 7 comprises, the flushable applicator being made of a cellulose mixture comprising Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp, wherein the cellulose mixture of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp is a water soluble paper which is formed into the desired shapes for the handle, the moist cleansing pad mount, and dry cleansing pad mount providing the flushable applicator with rapid dissolution when immersed in water; both the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad being made of short fibered air laid paper, wherein the short fiber air laid paper provides the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad with a soft and porous paper material capable of being safely disposed of in a toilet after use; and both the first section and moist cleansing pad mount being coated in a ethylcellulose polymer, wherein the ethylcellulose polymer forms a thin layer providing the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount with a barrier preventing premature dissolution of the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount during use.
 11. A flushable hygienic wipe system comprises, a moist cleansing pad; a dry cleansing pad; a flushable applicator; the moist cleansing pad comprises a first moist coupler; the dry cleansing pad comprises a first dry coupler; the flushable applicator comprises a handle, a moist cleansing pad mount, and a dry cleansing pad mount; the handle comprises a first section and a second section; the moist cleansing pad mount comprises a second moist coupler; the dry cleansing pad mount comprises a second dry coupler; the flushable applicator being made of a cellulose mixture comprising Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp, wherein the cellulose mixture of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and wood pulp is a water soluble paper which is formed into the desired shapes for the handle, the moist cleansing pad mount, and dry cleansing pad mount providing the flushable applicator with rapid dissolution when immersed in water; both the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad being made of short fibered air laid paper, wherein the short fiber air laid paper provides the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad with a soft and porous paper material capable of being safely disposed of in a toilet after use; and both the first section and moist cleansing pad mount being coated in a ethylcellulose polymer, wherein the ethylcellulose polymer forms a thin layer providing the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount with a barrier preventing premature dissolution of the first section and the moist cleansing pad mount during use.
 12. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the flushable applicator being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad and the dry cleansing pad; the moist cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator the dry cleansing pad being attached adjacent to the flushable applicator opposite the moist cleansing pad; the first moist coupler being concentrically connected on the moist cleansing pad; the first dry coupler being concentrically connected on the dry cleansing pad; the handle being linearly positioned between the moist cleansing pad mount and the dry cleansing pad mount; the dry cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle; and the moist cleansing pad mount being connected adjacent to the handle, opposite the dry cleansing pad mount.
 13. The flushable hygienic wipe system as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the second moist coupler being concentrically connected to the moist cleansing pad mount; the second dry coupler being concentrically connected to the dry cleansing pad mount; the first section and the second section being positioned adjacent to each other along the handle; the first section being positioned adjacent to the moist cleansing pad mount; the second section being positioned adjacent to the dry cleansing pad mount; the first moist coupler being engaged to the second moist coupler; and the first dry coupler being engaged to the second dry coupler. 